LVMH’s world renowned La Grande Epicerie de Paris is widely regarded as one of Paris’ finest luxury food markets. However, as most Parisian staples close down during France’s lock-down, this particular store proves to be a bit of an enigma. In an effort to meet the needs of customers and support the store’s suppliers, La Grande Epicierie has remained open thanks in most part “to the engagement and professionalism of the store’s employees” claimed parent organization LVMH.
Founded in 1923, La Grande Epicerie de Paris offers in addition to a prized selection of house made pastries and breads, over 30,000 products from across the globe. Fine wines, cheese, seafood and meat among them. Located on the ground floor of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, the shop’s staff has worked tirelessly to deliver fresh pastries, baked goods, and cheeses to a discerning clientele while supporting local family operated suppliers who face uncertain futures. Although most bakeries and pastry shops in the French capital remained closed, La Grande Epicerie remains staffed from the bakery and pastry shop to the shop’s incredible cheese counter.
To ensure that the store’s operations remain safely uninterrupted extensive safety measures have been implemented, including employee-customer distancing, as well as the provision of gloves, masks and hand sanitizer and plexiglass barriers for checkout staff. Management has even gone as far as advising employees to avoid public transportation and is offering to compensate employees for taxi and bicycle expenses. With these protective measures in place, it’s awfully tempting to pop by and purchase a dozen of epicurean genius Jean-Jacques Massé’ edible masterpieces. During this time customers can even benefit from contact free home delivery via Star Service.
By maintaining operations, the store has supported suppliers from small salt marsh lamb producers to “small artisanal French producers – such as Biscuiterie-Chocolaterie Mercier, Etablissements George Cannon, Kerex, J. Barthouil, Le Comptoir de Mathilde, Groix et Nature, Sacré Willy, Cooperative Sauniers Ile De Ré, Aix&Terra and Berry Graines” said LVMH. Additionally, La Grande Epicerie de Paris is providing support to healthcare workers. The store has donated protective gowns to healthcare providers in the seventh arrondissement of Paris, whereas “over 3,000 Easter chocolates were donated to Paris hospital healthcare personnel and fresh products with short shelf lives are delivered daily to Cochin hospital in Paris with help from Coursier Privé and RedE electric scooters.”
Image credit: © Boris Allin courtesy of LVMH
